The Eleventh Door by James G. Carlson

Read This!

There is so much good stuff to unpack in this book. Things start off with Madeline Sharpe, who is a P.I. accepting a case involving a serial killer. This part of the story itself was interesting, but as she uncovers more info, things take an unexpected and quite captivating turn. What she finds in the hidden realm is simply amazing! Carlson did a fabulous job creating this world. It’s a place you’ll want to explore and get lost in. My favorite characters were Maddie and Flynn. Maddie is determined, broken and so relatable. Carlson really brings her to life. The same for Flynn. He is such a caring person and boy does he love his animals. This instantly drew me to him. The friendship flourishing between these two was great. Maybe not a connection you would expect in the beginning, but in the end it was brilliant. If you enjoy dark fantasy with some horror elements, great characters, and a world like no other, be sure to read this one.

The Door is Open

I fell in love with this book, no word of a lie. As a massive Barker fan, there were undeniable similarities in writing style and pace. The sheer detail and depth of imagination mixed with this tantalising and gripping tale, making for an incredible story. Madeline is very much a broken woman at the beginning of this story, living with the demons of her past in a shitty motel. She has become a PI just to survive, but also to feed her coping mechanism. So when her friend Lucus asks for help with a homicide case, well he uses everything he has to get to accept. Even going as far as inviting a victim's mother to their meeting. I mean it's a dirty tactic but it works, as she reluctantly agrees to look into the notes and case file to help. Learning more about Madeline as a person, really made me warm to her. I mean considering the case that broke her, it's understandable it had the effect it did. It also gives insight into the passionate person she was as a police officer. Making the read incredibly intense as I completely got invested in Maddie. I won't lie, the story almost mirrors the storytelling abilities of Paul Kane. Namingly one of my favourites, Gemini Factor. As this story takes on horror, crime style, and cosmic horror all in one. As the story progresses further, we find out the nature of the crimes, and meet a serial killer who is obsessed with killing to the signs of the zodiac. Then we have the supporting characters in the story, such as Flynn who is basically who I would be, but with rats in my jacket instead of flying squirrels. Also now I want Reggie the Hedgehog. But I'm a little in love with the back-and-forth relationship between her and Lucus, it hit me all in the feels. Chapters seemed to fly by equally as quickly with the pace, as the serial killer reveals himself. Putting all she holds dear at threat, while also pushing her obsession to the next level just like her last case. With the serial killer showing his hand this way, you understand how much of a threat she is to him. But I love how every page he appears on gives the reader a chill and fills them with a very unsettling dread. Which only gets worse when we learn of the past that created the monster that now exists. Bring in a fever dream batshit crazy collection of events, which bring cosmic horror to a new level. Especially with a fascinating character like Huxley in tow, you're guaranteed an interesting journey into the unknown. We watch on as Maddie fights her self loathing, addiction and guilt. Becoming the absolute badass we knew she was before life took her spirit and this does not bowl well for the mastermind of the story. The descriptions and attention to the otherworldly details have a very Weaveworld feel with a dash of Lovecraft that I am living for. Adding in the almost twin peaks vibes subtly put in there, I am in love with the progression of this story.

Another world

Really enjoyed this book. Excellent storytelling and descriptions of a world that is brand new. Elements of gore, humor, and thoughtfulness. Well well-written and totally worth checking out.

A new world

Really enjoyed this book. Excellent storytelling and descriptions of a world that is brand new. Elements of gore, humor, and thoughtfulness. Well written and totally worth checking out.

A full experience

This book is a full package. It’s got some horror, some touches of noir, dark fantasy, light heartedness, action, and great characters. I was invested from the start as we jump right in to the full flavor of the main character. Then we take a break neck turn into the grotesque and dark. Then things get weird. Then they get weirder. James also leans into his love of critters as he litters the tale with all sorts of strange and wonderful creatures. Sometimes a gritty detective story, other times a Barker-esque journey, this one is a great, and fun, read.